Future uncertain for Walsall horse brushes firm established in 1786
A Walsall business that makes horse grooming brushes, which was established in 1786, faces an uncertain future.
Vale Brothers in Midland Road has posted a notice of intention to appoint administrators.
This step will protect the company from creditor action for around two weeks as it seeks a way forward.
The company has been approached for comment but directors Peter Wilkes and Peter Cohen were not available.
The company has grown over the last 237 years and there have been a number of acquisitions.
Leisure bags, whips, saddles, bridles and horse rugs have been added to the its range through sister companies such as Jeffries Saddlery and Thermatex.
Vale Brother’s accounts to the end of 2022, show the company employed an average of 96 people across the year – up from 83 in 2021. At the time, the company had assets of almost £3.6 million, while creditors totalled just over £2m.
The firm in Walsall merged in 2021 with Davies Odell, a distributor of rubber-based products for the footwear repair, matting and body armour markets.
The deal involved the incorporation of a new company, Vale Brothers Holdings, which acquired 100 per cent of the share capital of both Davies Odell and Vale Brothers.
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